Inter continue to explore John Stones deal after Manchester City exit

Inter Milan continue to assess the possibility of signing John Stones as the club reshapes its defence ahead of the new season. According to Fabrizio Romano, the England international remains firmly on the Nerazzurri's shortlist after becoming a free agent following the end of his Manchester City spell.

With several experienced defenders leaving at the end of June, Inter are carefully evaluating the market for proven reinforcements, and Stones is viewed as one of the strongest available options despite the financial challenges involved.

Inter's back line has undergone significant changes during the summer. Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij all departed on 30 June for different reasons, leaving Christian Chivu with fewer experienced central defenders.

The current defensive options include Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Carlos Augusto and Benjamin Pavard, who returned after Marseille decided not to activate their purchase option. Alessandro Bastoni also remains a key figure, although interest from Al Hilal has raised questions over his future.

Inter have no intention of selling the Italy international, who is regarded as both a leader and one of the club's most reliable performers. However, a substantial offer acceptable to both the club and the player's representatives could alter that stance.

That uncertainty explains why Stones continues to be monitored so closely.

Stones was initially offered to Inter between March and April, and discussions have resurfaced during recent weeks.

His impressive performances at the FIFA Club World Cup have significantly strengthened his position. Beyond his displays on the pitch, the tournament helped ease previous concerns regarding his physical condition after an injury-disrupted period.

The 32-year-old is considered an ideal tactical fit for Chivu's system thanks to his composure in possession, ability to play out from the back and experience at the highest level. Inter believe he could adapt quickly, much as Akanji did after arriving last summer.

Competition, however, is expected to be fierce. Chelsea are also searching for an experienced central defender capable of organising their back line, meaning Inter may need to move decisively if they choose to formalise their interest.

The main issue is not the transfer itself but Stones' salary demands.

The England defender is reportedly seeking a contract worth €6.5 million per season plus bonuses, a figure that has already fallen from the approximately €8 million he was requesting before the Club World Cup.

Even so, those wages remain above the financial parameters generally favoured by Inter's ownership group, Oaktree, which has typically been reluctant to sanction major investments for players over the age of 30.

There is, however, one important advantage. As a free agent, Stones would require no transfer fee, meaning the overall package would consist primarily of salary and signing-related costs rather than an expensive transfer.

That financial structure could yet persuade Inter to pursue the deal if the club concludes that experience is more valuable than another long-term project.

Inter are expected to continue monitoring Stones' situation while assessing other defensive targets. The coming weeks should provide greater clarity on Bastoni's future and on whether Oaktree are prepared to approve an exception to their transfer policy for an experienced free agent. Chelsea's interest also means the market could move quickly if the defender decides on his next destination.